Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Fermenting Buckwheat Seeds (Fagopyrum esculentum) with Aspergillus and subsequent amylase treatments enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activities

This research focused on investigating the effects of fermenting processed buckwheat with different Aspergillus species and subsequent treatment with α-amylase, β-amylase, and Glucoamylase. The study found that fermenting with Aspergillus Oryzae 82-3, followed by β-amylase treatment, significantly impacted saccharification within 2 hours, leading to increased total polyphenol content, rutin, and quercetin levels. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) results showed that Asp-82-3 with β-amylase had the highest rutin and quercetin levels. The saccharified buckwheat also exhibits elevated total protein and total carbohydrate content. DPPH analysis revealed enhanced antioxidant activity in treated samples. In vitro assays demonstrated that buckwheat saccharification with amylase after Aspergillus fermentation resulted in potent production, with Asp-82-3 and β-amylase showing the highest Nitric Oxide (NO) production. The study concludes that combining Aspergillus species and amylase for buckwheat saccharification enhances its antioxidant capacity and functional value, making it valuable in the functional food industry.

Aceite esencial de hojas de Minthostachys mollis[HBK] Griseb. del Ecuador: Extracción, composición química, capacidad antioxidante y actividad antimicrobiana

The aim of this study was to optimize by response surface design, the extraction of the leafessential oil (EO) from Minthostachys mollis [HBK] Griseb., grown in Ecuador, using steam distillation. The factors used were extraction time (XTIE) of 60, 105 and 150 min and plant material/water ratio (XRMA) of 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5. The optimal combination was reached with XRMA 1:5 and XTIE 150 min, obtaining a process yield of 0.67%. The chemical composition of the EO analyzed by GC-MS was determined, where the main compounds were carvacryl acetate (44.01%), carvacrol (16.51%) and menthone (8.20%). The antioxidant capacity of EO was evaluated using the FRAP and ABTS methodologies, with an IC50243.21 μmol Fe2+/g and 0.12 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of EO was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coliand Staphylococcus aureus.

Antioxidant, insecticidal, antifeedant, and repellent activities of oregano (Origanum vulgare)

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the antioxidant capacity, the insecticidal, feeding deterrence, repellent effects against Tribolium confusum of the essential oil (EO) and the organic extracts (ME) of Origanum vulgare. The chemical composition of the EO revealed the presence thirty-nine components dominated by carvacrol (81%). With respect to the EO, the ME acted as a potent free radical scavenger with IC50 values of 0.127 and 0.058 mg/mL, respectively. The EO exhibited the most significant toxicity compared to the ME with a mortality of 62 and 20% at 0.08 µL/insect after 24h whereas the EO expressed the highest repellency compared to the ME with a PR of 70 and 38% after 24h. As for feeding deterrence, both samples influenced all nutritional indexes. The findings found in this work might help in the promotion of oregano as natural antioxidant, antifeedant, repellent and insecticide as an alternative to conventional harmful ones.

Effects of bamboo leaf flavonoids on growth performance, antioxidants, immune function, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in broilers.

Bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) are the main bioactive ingredients in bamboo leaves. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects. In this study, the effects of dietary BLF on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of broilers were investigated. A total of 288 broilers were divided into three groups with eight replicates and 12 birds in each replicate. Broilers were fed a basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with 1000 or 2000 mg kg-1 BLF for 56 days. The results showed that supplementation of BLF increased body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG), and reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) content of broilers in the BLF1000 group was increased and the interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The levels of IgM and IL-10 in jejunum mucosa were found to be enhanced by BLF (P < 0.05). The BLF1000 group exhibited a significant reduction in the concentration of TNF-α (P < 0.05). Serum and jejunum mucosa total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the BLF1000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) effects of the BLF1000 group and serum CAT effects of BLF2000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The CON group demonstrated a lower relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Oscillibacter than the BLF group (P < 0.05). Dietary BLF inclusion enhanced the growth performance, immune, and antioxidant functions, improved the intestinal morphology, and ameliorated the intestinal microflora structure in broiler. Adding 1000 mg kg-1 BLF to the broiler diet can be considered as an effective growth promoter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Preharvest Treatment Using Jasmonic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate on the Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Red-fleshed Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.)

This study investigated the effect of exogenous plant growth regulators (PGR), namely jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), on the physicochemical properties of flesh and peels of red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus). The fruit was sprayed with 100 and 1,000 ppm of JA and MeJA at 15 and 22 days of anthesis and harvested after 35 days. Then, the flesh and peels were analyzed for total soluble solids (TSS), total betacyanins, betanin, total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and color characteristics. The fruit peels contained significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) TP and antioxidant activities compared to flesh. No significant difference was detected between the variables in the peels, except for significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) of total betacyanins (~295.6 and ~299.9 mg/100 g) and TP (~614.1 and 566.1 mg GAE/100 g) were recorded in control and 100 ppm MeJA, respectively. In the flesh, 1,000 ppm MeJA-treated fruit possessed the highest total betacyanins (~139.2 mg/100 g), betanin (~356.0 mg/g), TP (~244.9 mg GAE/100 g), TF (~329.0 mg CE/100 g), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) (63.2 µmol TE/g) and reducing power (~21.5 µmol TE/g). Overall, 1,000 ppm MeJA was more effective in enhancing the accumulation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in the flesh of red-fleshed dragon fruit compared to other PGR treatments.

Formulation and characterization of herbal tea from hibiscus (hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and lemon verbena (aloysia citrodora)

ABSTRACT This study aimed to produce herbal tea using an infusion of Hibiscus with Lemon verbena. Dried Hibiscus calyces and lemon verbena leaves were combined in a percentage of: 90:5 (HL1), 90:10 (HL2), 85:15 (HL3), 80:20 (HL4), 75:25 (HL5), 70:30 (HL6), 65:35 (HL7), 60:40 (HL8), 55:45 (HL9), 50:50 (HL10), respectively, and commercial tea and 100% Hibiscus were used for comparison. The formulated tea was evaluated for pH, total soluble solids (TSS), color density, hue tint, total phenolics, total flavonoids, DPPH radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), sensory acceptance (7-hedonic scale) and their correlation were determined. No significant differences (p > .05) were found for total soluble solids (TSS). The pH, total flavonoids, total phenolics and antioxidant capacities of blended tea were significantly decreased with the concentrations of calyces. The blended tea had sensory acceptance with incorporation of 10–45% dried lemon verbena leaves, and potential phytochemical and antioxidant capacities.

Evaluation of Himalayan nettle (Urtica ardens) extract meal in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) feed: Impact on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity

This research aims to evaluate the impact of an extract derived from the leaves of Himalayan nettle (Urtica ardens) leaf extract on common carp, Cyprinus carpio, growth, digestive enzymes, fish body carcass composition, antioxidant system, and water quality parameters. For a duration of 90 days, experimental diets containing nettle extract were given to 150 fish (12.38 ± 0.53 g) in 15 tanks (10 fish per tank). The five groups in triplicate were: control or T0 (untreated), T1 (fed 0.3% extract), T2 (0.6% extract), T3 (0.9% extract), and T4 (1.2% extract). Results revealed that nettle extract in the diet increases common carp growth up to 0.9% concentration of extract. Its feed conversion ratio decreases, while weight gain and specific growth rate rise significantly compared to the control diet. No mortality was observed during the 90-day experiment. Dietary nettle extract did not affect whole-body fibre and crude ash percentages (p > 0.05). Nettle-fed and control groups showed significant differences in crude protein, body fat, and total body moisture (p < 0.05). After a 90-day feeding trial, 0.9% nettle extract-fed fish had higher protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase levels than the control group (p < 0.05). When nettle content reached 1.2%, enzyme activity decreased. Orthophosphate production peaked at 4 and 8 hours after feeding, while ammonia excretion peaked at 2 and 6 hours. The control group excreted the most ammonia and orthophosphate, while the 0.9% group excreted the least. Liver and kidney SOD levels were higher in common carp fed a 0.6% nettle extract diet. Feeding with a 0.9% nettle extract diet improved hepatic lipid peroxidation, gut and liver glutathione. Gut and kidney SOD, catalase, LPO, and GSH increased dramatically on the 1.2% diet. Statistically, the 0.9% nettle extract (T3) group showed the overall best results compared to the control diet. These findings demonstrate the potential of nettle extract as a dietary supplement in aquaculture.

Bio-nanoparticles loaded with synovial-derived exosomes ameliorate osteoarthritis progression by modifying the oxidative microenvironment

Background and aimsOsteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder, marked by the progressive degeneration of joint cartilage, synovial inflammation, and subchondral bone hyperplasia. The synovial tissue plays a pivotal role in cartilage regulation. Exosomes (EXOs), small membrane-bound vesicles released by cells into the extracellular space, are crucial in mediating intercellular communication and facilitating the exchange of information between tissues. Our study aimed to devise a hydrogel microsphere infused with SOD3-enriched exosomes (S-EXOs) to protect cartilage and introduce a novel, effective approach for OA treatment.Materials and methodsWe analyzed single-cell sequencing data from 4247 cells obtained from the GEO database. Techniques such as PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence (IF), and assays to measure oxidative stress levels were employed to validate the cartilage-protective properties of the identified key protein, SOD3. In vivo, OA mice received intra-articular injections of S-EXOs bearing hydrogel microspheres, and the effectiveness was assessed using safranine O (S.O) staining and IF.ResultsSingle-cell sequencing data analysis suggested that the synovium influences cartilage via the exocrine release of SOD3. Our findings revealed that purified S-EXOs enhanced antioxidant capacity of chondrocytes, and maintained extracellular matrix metabolism stability. The S-EXO group showed a significant reduction in mitoROS and ROS levels by 164.2% (P < 0.0001) and 142.7% (P < 0.0001), respectively, compared to the IL-1β group. Furthermore, the S-EXO group exhibited increased COL II and ACAN levels, with increments of 2.1-fold (P < 0.0001) and 3.1-fold (P < 0.0001), respectively, over the IL-1β group. Additionally, the S-EXO group showed a decrease in MMP13 and ADAMTS5 protein expression by 42.3% (P < 0.0001) and 44.4% (P < 0.0001), respectively. It was found that S-EXO-containing hydrogel microspheres could effectively deliver SOD3 to cartilage and significantly mitigate OA progression. The OARSI score in the S-EXO microsphere group markedly decreased (P < 0.0001) compared to the OA group.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the S-EXOs secreted by synovial fibroblasts exert a protective effect on chondrocytes, and microspheres laden with S-EXOs offer a promising therapeutic alternative for OA treatment.

Short-term anaerobic treatment with microperforated packaging enhanced postharvest quality of Stropharia rugosoannulata mushrooms

This study explored the impact of short-term anaerobic treatment combined with microperforated packaging (SAT-MP) on the postharvest quality and physiology of Stropharia rugosonulata mushrooms at 3 ℃. Results indicated that both SAT-MP treatments (T1, T2) and microperforated packaging alone (T3) establish a favorable environment with low O2 (8%−12%) and high CO2 (around 10%). All treatment groups showed significant improvements in firmness, color, and internal structure. Specifically, T1, T2, and T3 exhibited 38%, 41%, and 24% greater stipe firmness and 119%, 173%, and 48% lower browning index, respectively, compared to the control. These treatments also maintained high levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD), and Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as total phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. The combined treatment demonstrated the most significant effect, activating the mushroom's antioxidant system, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, conductivity, and ethanol/acetaldehyde accumulation, thus mitigating lipid peroxidation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed better preservation of tissue and cell structure with the 12 h anaerobic treatment. Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between firmness and oxidative damage indicators, as well as with the browning index and antioxidant-related indicators. Overall, short-term anaerobic treatment with microperforated packaging enhanced antioxidant capacity, maintains reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism balance, and cell membrane integrity, effectively delaying firmness decline and browning, highlighting its critical role in extending shelf life.

Response Surface Methodology: An Optimal Design for Maximising the Efficiency of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Total Phenolic Compounds from Coriandrum sativum Leaves

The optimization of total phenolic compounds (TPC) extraction yield and maximization of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from coriander leaves were investigated using response surface methodology. The extraction of TPC was carried out using microwave-assisted extraction. A Box-Behnken design was used to study the effects of the three independent variables, solvent concentration (ethanol/water 20–80%), microwave power (100–500 watt) and irradiation time (30–150 s) on the response. A second-order polynomial model was used to predict the reaction. The regression analysis showed that about 99% of the variations could be explained by the models. The predicted values were 50.97 GAE/g dw and 5.75 mg GAE/g dw for TPC and TAC. The reaction surface analysis showed that the optimum extraction parameters that maximized the extraction of antioxidants yield were 52.62% ethanol, 452.12 watt and 150 s. Under optimal conditions, the experimental values for TPC and TAC were 49.63 ± 0.93 mg GAE/g dw and 5.55 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The experimental values are in agreement with the predicted values, indicating the suitability of the model used and the success of the response surface methodology in optimizing the extraction conditions.

Salivary levels of catalase, total antioxidant capacity and interleukin-1β and oral health-related quality of life after matcha and green tea consumption for patients with gingivitis: A randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the changes in salivary levels of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and IL-1β (primary outcomes) as well as gingival health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) 1 month after the consumption of matcha and green tea in adult patients with gingivitis. This study was a parallel randomized clinical trial. Forty gingivitis adult patients were randomly assigned to drink either matcha or green tea cup twice daily for a duration of 1 month. They were asked to keep their habitual oral hygiene measures. Plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. In addition, saliva was collected at baseline and 1 month after tea consumption. Salivary levels of CAT, TAC and IL-1β were determined by ELISA. Each participant was asked to fill OHIP-14 questionnaire before and after tea consumption. Following tea intake, 40.6% of the study sample had healthy gingiva. Both groups similarly showed reductions in PI (0.32 ± 0.11-0.22 ± 0.08) and BOP (0.24 ± 0.08-0.13 ± 0.07) scores after tea consumption. There was a significant difference between mean TAC before and after matcha tea consumption only. Non-significant reductions in salivary levels of CAT and IL-1β were detected after tea consumption. OHRQOL of participants was improved after tea, both types, consumption. Despite study limitations, daily consumption of matcha and green tea might be beneficial as they potentially enhance OHRQOL of individuals with gingivitis and reduce the extent of gingivitis despite non-significant changes in salivary antioxidants and IL-1β levels.

Sources of fertilizers on the phytotechnical characteristics, oxidative stress and thymol production of Thymus vulgaris L.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of different fertilizer sources on the phytotechnical characteristics, oxidative stress, and thymol production of Thymus vulgaris. The experiment was conducted in 3-dm³ pots containing soil:sand (2:1) + treatment (no fertilizer, organic fertilizer, or chemical fertilizer). The organic fertilizer was 8 kg m-2 of an equal mixture of bovine, goat, and quail manures. The variables assessed were leaf, stem, root, and total dry weights; chlorophyll and carotenoid contents; leaf nutrients; total polyphenols; total antioxidant capacity; oxygen radical absorption capacity; DPPH free radical scavenging activity; essential oil content; and thymol production, content, and yield. Organic fertilization significantly increased the variables assessed and reduced oxidative stress indicators. It resulted in gains in the dry weight of the plants and the accumulation of nutrients in dry leaves of T. vulgaris. For the quantitative parameters of the essential oil and thymol, organic fertilization was significantly higher than the other treatments, especially for thymol content and yield. T. vulgaris plants fertilized with organic fertilizer maximize their plant production and their yield of compounds of interest, such as thymol, possibly because these outputs indicate a balance between improved vegetative production and the elimination of reactive oxygen species.

Cold atmospheric plasma enhances morphological and biochemical attributes of tomato seedlings

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a physical technology with notable effects on living organisms. In the present study, tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum var. Bassimo Mill.) were exposed to CAP for various time intervals, ranging from 1 to 5 min, in both continuous and intermittent periods, and were compared with a control group that received no CAP treatment. Seedlings grown from treated seeds exhibited improvements in levels of growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, and metabolite contents when compared to the control group. Seedlings from seeds treated with S04 displayed significant increases in shoot and root lengths, by 32.45% and 20.60% respectively, compared to the control group. Moreover, seedlings from seeds treated with S01 showed a 101.90% increase in total protein, whereas those treated with S02 experienced a 119.52% increase in carbohydrate content. These findings highlight the substantial improvements in growth characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, and metabolite levels in seedlings from treated seeds relative to controls. Total antioxidant capacity was boosted by CAP exposure. The activities of enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidases were stimulated by S02 and exceeded control treatment by (177.48%, 137.41%, and 103.32%), respectively. Additionally, exposure to S04 increased the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and tannins over the control group (38.08%, 30.10%, 117.19%, and 94.44%), respectively. Our results indicate that CAP-seed priming is an innovative and cost-effective approach to enhance the growth, bioactive components, and yield of tomato seedlings.

Acclimation to higher temperature and antioxidant supplemented diets improved rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) resilience to heatwaves

Coldwater species are challenged with increasing water temperatures and fluctuations over their upper thermal limits. This study evaluated the potential of acclimation to higher temperature and dietary antioxidants capacity to mitigate the adverse effects of heat shocks in rainbow trout. To this end, rainbow trout fingerlings were acclimated at optimal (14 °C) and high (20 °C) temperatures and fed on selenium (5 mg/kg) and polyphenol (2 g/kg) supplemented diets for 60 days and then were exposed to heat shocks by increasing water temperature up to 30 °C. Growth performance, survival rate, haemato-immunological parameters, and expression of HSP70α, HSP70β, HSP90β, and IL-1β genes were measured to evaluate the hypothesises. The rainbow trout acclimated to 20 °C and fed on antioxidants supplemented diets showed a significantly higher aftershock survival rate. Moreover, fish acclimated to higher temperature showed higher red blood cell counts as well as serum total protein and albumin during the acclimation trial and heat shocks phase. Acclimation to higher temperature and feeding on antioxidants remarkably enhanced fish immune and antioxidant capacity in comparison to fish adapted to cold water and fed on the basal diet measured by improved respiratory burst and lysozyme activities and upregulation of IL-1β expression during exposure of fish to heat shocks. Furthermore, fish acclimated to higher temperature, especially those fed on antioxidant supplemented diets, showed lower expression levels of HSPs genes during the heat shock phase, indicating that high heat shocks were less stressful for these fish in comparison to cold water acclimated fish. This finding was also supported by lower cortisol levels during heat shocks in fish acclimated to higher temperature. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that acclimation to higher temperature and/or fed on diets supplemented by selenium and polyphenol, can help to mitigate the adverse effects of the heat shock in rainbow trout.

Optimizing Microwave-Assisted Extraction from Levisticum officinale WDJ Koch Roots Using Pareto Optimal Solutions

The current research trend is not only focused on advanced techniques to intensify the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants, but also on the optimization process. The objective of this work was the implementation of the multiple criteria analysis using navigation on Pareto sets to determine the optimal parameters for the microwave-assisted extraction of Levisticum officinale WDJ Koch roots in order to obtain the maximum efficiency of the antioxidant potential of the extracts. The optimized parameters were extraction time, microwave power, and plant biomass/solvent ratio, while the evaluation criteria were based on the total phenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars, and antioxidant capacity. It was shown that the process parameters analyzed, i.e., biomass/solvent ratio, process time, and microwave power, determined the extraction efficiency of total phenolic content (TPC). A different observation was made for the analysis of total flavonoid content (TFC) and total antioxidant potential (TAA). Compared to the assessment of TFC and TAA, a completely different trend was observed for the analysis of total reducing sugars (RSC). Sets of Pareto optimal, compromise, and preferred solutions were identified that will maximize the efficiency of the extraction of bioactive compounds from biomass. Due to the determined number of Pareto optimal solutions, an approach related to the introduction of preferences in the optimization procedure was applied. It was shown that for a satisfactory level of bioactive compounds, extraction should be carried out at a maximum microwave power of 750 W. Preferred solutions were obtained for root biomass to water ratios ranging from 0.0536 g/mL to 0.0679 g/mL. The preferred optimal time for microwave-assisted water extraction ranged from 64.2857 to 85.7143 s.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Extract as a Natural Additive in Food Packaging Biodegradable Films to Improve Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Physicochemical Properties.

In this study, biodegradable active films were prepared from potato starch and polyvinyl alcohol at different proportions, mixed with acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) and using glycerol as a plasticizer. Functional properties, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Potato starch films with a proportion of polyvinyl alcohol up to 50% and HS extract had significant antioxidant capacity and antibacterial effect against most of the analyzed strains. Adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and HS extract improved the mechanical performance and reduced water vapor permeability of the materials. The active biobased films with HS extract presented good physicochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These materials are considered as suitable for food packaging, and the active compounds in the roselle extract are a natural antibacterial option for the food area. The materials based entirely on biodegradable products are an excellent alternative when developing and marketing biobased materials, minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging.

M6A demethylation of FOSL1 mRNA protects hepatoma cells against necrosis under glucose deprivation.

Stress-adaptive mechanisms enabling cancer cells to survive under glucose deprivation remain elusive. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays important roles in determining cancer cell fate and cellular stress response to nutrient deficiency. However, whether m6A modification functions in the regulation of cancer cell survival under glucose deprivation is unknown. Here, we found that glucose deprivation reduced m6A modification levels. Increasing m6A modification resulted in increased hepatoma cell necrosis under glucose deprivation, whereas decreasing m6A modification had an opposite effect. Integrated m6A-seq and RNA-seq revealed potential targets of m6A modification under glucose deprivation, including the transcription factor FOSL1; further, glucose deprivation upregulated FOSL1 by inhibiting FOSL1 mRNA decay in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner through reducing m6A modification in its exon1 and 5'-UTR regions. Functionally, FOSL1 protected hepatoma cells against glucose deprivation-induced necrosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FOSL1 transcriptionally repressed ATF3 by binding to its promoter. Meanwhile, ATF3 and MAFF interacted via their leucine zipper domains to form a heterodimer, which competed with NRF2 for binding to antioxidant response elements in the promoters of NRF2 target genes, thereby inhibiting their transcription. Consequently, FOSL1 reduced the formation of the ATF3-MAFF heterodimer, thereby enhancing NRF2 transcriptional activity and the antioxidant capacity of glucose-deprived-hepatoma cells. Thus, FOSL1 alleviated the necrosis-inducing effect of glucose deprivation-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation. Collectively, our study uncovers the protective role of m6A-FOSL1-ATF3 axis in hepatoma cell necrosis under glucose deprivation, and may provide new targets for cancer therapy.

Innovative Agrowaste Banana Peel Extract-Based Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Eco-Friendly Oxidative Shield and Freshness Fortification

AbstractThis study presents the synthesis of agro-waste banana peel extract-based magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (BPEx-MIONPs), emphasizing antioxidant capacity and food preservation. Using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3 · 6 H2O) as a precursor and a reducing agent from agro-waste peel extract, a precisely controlled process yielded BPEx-MIONPs. Characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD revealed tetragonal Fe2O3, cubic magnetite structure, and monoclinic FexOy-NPs with an average size of 14.8 nm. TEM and SEM revealed diverse morphologies. TEM displayed both spherical and elongated nanoparticles, with some appearing as thin fibrils. In contrast, SEM images depicted an array primarily consisting of spherical nanoparticles, resembling coral reef formations. FTIR confirmed Fe–O bonds (1000 –400 cm-1). The antioxidant assessment showed robust DPPH free radical scavenging; BPEx achieved 100% inhibition at 18 min, and BPEx-MIONPs had an IC50 of ~ 136 µg/mL. BPEx-MIONPs, stabilized with banana-based bioplastic, effectively preserved grapes, reducing weight loss to 6.2% on day 3, compared to the control (19.0%). This pioneering study combines banana peel antioxidants with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, providing sustainable solutions for food preservation and nano-packaging. Ongoing research aims to refine conditions and explore broader applications of BPEx-MIONPs. Graphical Abstract

Use of Botanical Ingredients: Nice Opportunities to Avoid Premature Oxidation of NABLABs by Increasing Their ORAC Values Strongly Impacted by Dealcoholization or Pasteurization

Even when fresh, non-alcoholic, and low-alcoholic beers (NABLABs) exhibit significant staling defects due to premature oxidation. In this study, the antioxidant power of eleven fresh commercial NABLABs was assessed by means of three different assays: the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), the linoleic acid-induced oxidation (TINH), and the indicator time test (ITT). Only the first two assays, both involving radicalar degradations initiated by AAPH, were found to correlate with each other. NABLABs displayed lower ORAC values than conventional beers (on average, 6127 μmol eq. Trolox/L), except for three samples made with special-colored malts or dry-hopped. Dealcoholization was the step with the greatest impact on the ORAC value (up to a 95% loss) and on flavan-3-ols, sotolon, and polyfunctional thiols, while pasteurization strongly affected color, TBA, and Strecker aldehydes. ORAC assays applied to hop, alternative cereals, and various botanical ingredients indicated that mashing with red sorghum, dry hopping/spicing, and wood maturation could bring the antioxidant power of a NABLAB close to those of conventional beers. With an ORAC value not reached by any other tested botanical ingredient (5234 µmol eq. Trolox/g), African Vernonia amygdalina leaves (traditionally used for Rwandan Ikigage beers) emerged here as the best candidate.

Harmine exhibits anti-apoptotic properties and reduces diabetes-induced testicular damage caused by streptozotocin in rats.

Diabetes mellitus induces fertility problems in men, mainly because of increased free radicals. Natural resources are effective for male infertility treatment. This study investigated the effects of harmine, an alkaloid available in Peganum harmala L., on the male reproductive system of diabetic rats. We divided 32 rats into four groups, and eight were randomly placed in each group. For diabetes induction, the animals received 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. After 1 week, animals received 15 mg/kg of harmine (28 days; intraperitoneal). Histopathological examinations, serum levels of male hormones, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testes, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), insulin serum levels, fasting blood glucose levels, the apoptotic index, and semen analysis were assessed. The diabetes group exhibited morphological changes in testicular tissue, significant decreases in the diameter of the seminiferous tubule, the Johnsen score, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin serum levels, and TAC in testicular tissue (p<0.01). Harmine treatment ameliorated the morphological changes in the testes and improved sperm parameters relative to the diabetes group (p<0.05). The NO and MDA levels in the testes, fasting blood glucose serum levels, and apoptotic index parameters were significantly elevated in the diabetes group, while in the diabetes+harmine group, these parameters were reduced (p<0.01). Harmine protects testicular tissue and sperm against diabetes-induced damage. This effect of harmine is associated with a rebalancing of the antioxidant capacity that subsequently decreases apoptosis in the testes.